"We've already taken bookings for months in advance, which is a very positive sign of the route's future success." Roy Thomas Chairman Air Wales Ltd.

Demand Soars for Dublin Flights

Unforeseen demand for flights from Norwich to Dublin has seen the service increased from three days a week to five — before it has even been launched.

The move comes weeks after Air Wales first announced it was to operate the low-cost service from Norwich International airport.

The Welsh-based airline was trialling a service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and hoped to be able to review this next season if passenger numbers permitted. But the volume of customer telephone and web inquiries from those wanting to fly from Norwich was 40pc more than anticipated.

And the overwhelming response has seen a Friday and Sunday service being introduced — allowing easier weekend breaks to the southern Irish capital.

Commercial director Trevor Eady said: "This is fantastic news.

"We have always known a significant demand existed for Dublin and to see such a huge response to the introduction of the route two months before the first flight confirms our expectations of its success.

"It's great to see an airline react so quickly to the demand."

Mr Eady said the additional frequencies would open the doors to the airport working with tourism agencies in both Norwich and Dublin and will satisfy business needs.

"The Friday and Sunday flights will satisfy the demand for weekend breaks at either end of the route," he said.

Air Wales chairman Roy Thomas said: "The response from customers has been extremely positive, and we've already taken bookings for months in advance, which is a very positive sign of the route's future success.

"What we are now able to offer is a robust service which aims to fulfil the needs of both the business and leisure traveller from East Anglia, and we're hopeful this will open many business and leisure opportunities."

The flights, which when introduced with a Cardiff service were the first budget fares for the airport, are £39.99 each way.

They are part of plans to offer a bigger variety of deals to more destinations in a bid to boost Norwich International's passenger numbers.

To book seats visit www.airwales.com or call 0870 777 3131.

Source: The Business